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Winter Park, FL – Arthur Blumenthal, who has served as director of the Cornell Fine Arts Museum at Rollins College since 1988, will retire from his position May 31, 2007. Under his leadership, Blumenthal oversaw a major building expansion and helped transform the Museum into one of America’s finest college art museums. “Under Arthur’s leadership, the Cornell Museum gained international recognition,” said Rollins president Lewis Duncan. “He helped create the perfect museum for this college.”

This announcement comes a year after the Museum opened its multi-million dollar expansion and renovation, which includes Florida’s only print-study room, six galleries and more than 10,000 square feet of space. During Blumenthal’s tenure, the Museum acquired significant works for its collection, one of the oldest and most distinguished collections in Florida. “It’s the right time for a big change,” said Blumenthal. “I love the Cornell Museum and am proud to have been part of its history.”

Blumenthal has been appointed by the Accademia delle Arti del Disegno in Florence to an international scholarly committee to organize an exhibition at the Uffizi Gallery in Florence on Cosimo Rosselli (1439-1507). In 2001, the Museum hosted its first-ever exhibition of the artist, Cosimo Rosselli: Painter of the Sistine Chapel. He will teach a course on “How to Look at Art” at the John and Mabel Ringling Museum of Art/FSU Institute for Cultural Studies in Sarasota, Florida this fall. Blumenthal and his wife, Karen, are also writing a book on How to Look at Art. He also plans to work as a museum consultant.

Blumenthal received a Ph.D. in Fine Arts from New York University in 1984 and began his position as director of the Museum in 1988. “Blumenthal is an exceptional museum professional and teacher whose beautiful vision for the expansion of the Cornell Fine Arts Museum became a reality in 2006,” said June Nelson, chairman of the Museum’s Board of Visitors. “He has left a lasting legacy on the Rollins College campus for many years to come.”

Rollins has appointed a panel to advise on the future of the Museum’s leadership.

Gallery hours are 10 AM to 5 PM Tuesday - Saturday, and Sunday 1 to 5 PM. Admission is $5 for adults. There is no charge for CFAM Members, Rollins College Faculty, Staff, and all students with current ID. The Cornell Fine Arts Museum is located on the campus of Rollins College near downtown Winter Park. For additional information, please call 407-646-2526, or visit www.rollins.edu/cfam.

Press Release

cornell FINE ARTS MUSEUM DIRECTOR ARTHUR BLUMENTHAL TO RETIRE